The 2017 MLB Trade Deadline is officially over and we saw a number of moves that could impact the playoff race over the next two months. The Yankees did pull off a blockbuster deal for Sonny Gray and the Dodgers pulled off a last-minute blockbuster for Yu Darvish, but they the only big name that was dealt. Here's a recap of everything that happened today:
Yankees land Sonny Gray
New York had emerged as the clear frontrunner to land Gray over the course of the last 48 hours to the point where it seemed as though Oakland's two options where to either keep him or trade him to the Yankees, and they were able to pull through and make the deal.
There was so much momentum behind this deal that it reportedly could have been completed by the end of last week. However, talks between the two sides had stalled due to New York's unwillingness to part with either Gleyber Torres or Clint Frazier, two of their top prospects. Oakland's decision to relent on that is why a deal was finally able to get done, but they did get three of New York's top prospects in Jorge Mateo, Dustin Fowler, and James Kaprielian.
Gray will either be the No. 1 or No. 2 starter for the Yankees for the playoff push and makes them the favorite in the American League. Of all the moves made today, this is the most impactful one.
LA's last-minute deal for Darvish
This was the biggest surprise of the day. The Dodgers had been considered to be the frontrunner to land Darvish for the past 48 hours and were able to get him before other interested teams like the Indians and Astros were able to - just minutes before the deadline, no less.
The Dodgers wanted to pair ace Clayton Kershaw with another top quality pitcher in their push for a World Series title and view Darvish as that guy. The injury to Kershaw increased their need for another arm, and Darvish would serve as series-changing starters in the playoffs.
Contenders add relief pitching
Along with those marquee deals, several contenders were able to upgrade their bullpens. The Dodgers also landed Tony Watson from the Pirates while the Red Sox added Addison Reed, the Indians acquired Joe Smith and Houston traded for Francisco Liriano, who they plan to use out of the bullpen. The postseason has increasingly become a battle of bullpens in recent years and all of these teams are prepping for it.
Players who weren't traded
Another one of the big stories to come out of the trade deadline was the lack of stars that were traded. Justin Verlander, Zach Britton and Brad Hand were all expected to be dealt, but all stayed put. Both Britton and Hand are under contract for one and two more years, respectively, so each will likely be on the trade market again this offseason. However, there's a chance Verlander gets dealt in the next month before the waiver trade deadline, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.
Remember: Justin Verlander's contract could clear trade waivers in August, based on fact that remaining salary was an issue in July. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2017
Verlander is under contract for $28 million per year through the 2019 season, and that contract is why the Tigers were not able to trade him.
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